Utilizing Formative Assessments to Enhance Student Progress

Administering in-class formative assessments means that teachers can slow down or backtrack when there are too many wrong answers. Types of formative assessments include:

  1. index card summaries and explanations of course big ideas
  2. index cards with questions posed at the teacher regarding misconceptions or things students don't understand yet
  3. hand signals indicating understanding or lack thereof
  4. one-minute essays gauging comprehension
  5. question boxes bulletin boards or an email address where students can ask about misconceptions or lack of understanding privately
  6. concept maps
  7. oral questioning

These checks for understanding over time teach students to gauge their own understanding and improve metacognitive skills.